Our Services – Early Development Network Region 9

Early Development Network Region 9 serves Adams, Clay, Southern Hall, Nuckolls and Webster counties in Nebraska. We work with children birth to 3 to help them meet developmental milestones in any area.
These services are provided free of charge for all eligible families. If your child is over the age of three, please contact your local school district.
Nebraska CHILDFIND
If you are outside of our service area you can still receive help by calling 1-888-806-6287

What Services are Provided?

The Early Development Network provides family-centered services, based on the special needs of each child and family. Services that may be provided to children and families include, but are not limited to:

Service Coordination
Early Childhood Special Education
Speech/Language Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Psychological services
Assistive technology devices and services
Transportation
Audiology
Vision Services
Nutrition Services
Family Training
Respite
Interpreter Services Available
Other Services may be provided based on the needs and eligibility of the child and family.

Services Coordination

What is Early Development Network Services Coordination?

Services Coordination means a central contact person, known as the services coordinator, is assigned to each family.

Services Coordination helps families of children with special needs below the age of three:

Find Services to meet developmental, educational, financial, health care, child care, respite care, and other needs.
Link with needed services
Work with Multiple providers to make sure services are provided as needed.
Become coordinators for their own children in the future.

Who is Eligible for Services Coordination?

Eligible families are those with an infant or toddler below age three who has a disability or developmental delay and qualifies.
Year Round Services coordination is provided.
There is no cost to families

Why is Services Coordination needed?

Nebraska families of children with special needs have found it difficult to locate needed services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and then to coordinate the services with so many providers involved.

Nebraska families asked the State Legislature for assistance by allowing services coordinators to set up teams of the family service providers to work together.

Why is a Services Coordinator important?

Because families of children with disabilities often need many different services, the Services Coordinator is instrumental in working with the agencies that provide these services to make sure the child and family get the help they need. The Services Coordinator also informs the family about services available in the community, make sure services are delivered smoothly and properly, and informs families about advocacy and support groups.

Families are entitled to help from a Services Coordinator up to the time of the evaluation, and after the evaluation if the child is verified as having a disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a referral for my child?

Parents, in our service area, can make a referral by calling us at (402)462-4187. If not in our service area Parents can call Nebraska CHILDFIND at 1-888-806-6287.

How do I know if my child will qualify for Early Development Network services?

Once a referral is made and with the families’ permission, the Services Coordinator will set up an evaluation for your child. After this evaluation, you will be informed of your child’s eligibility into the program.

If my child is eligible for these services, am I required to use them?

No, the services are entirely free choice. As a parent, you have the right to refuse services at any time.

What do I do if my child is older than three years of age?

If your child is over the age of three, please contact your local school district. They will be able to assist you.

How much does this service cost? Does it go against our insurance?

There is no cost for this program if your child qualifies according to Rule 52.

What happens when my child reaches age three?

At the age of 3 your child will transition out of the Early Development Network. You may choose to stay in the Early Development Network until August 31st after your child’s third birthday

If your child is still in need of special education services following their third birthday, they will transition from an Individualized Family Services Plan to an Individualized Education Program. You and your team will schedule a meeting to ensure that the process of transition goes well for everyone. This meeting should occur at least 90 days prior to your child’s third birthday.

The team will review your child’s program options for the remainder of the time they are involved in EDN services, describe how your family will participate in the transition process, and develop the transition plan with you.

How can Families Apply?

To Request Early Development services for your child in our coverage area call (402)463-4187 ext.122. If you are outside of our coverage area, call Nebraska CHILDFIND at 1-888-806-6287 to be connected to a Service Coordination team in your area.